"Assessing the Impact of Eat Out to Help Out Scheme and Sunak's Leadership Challenges"
The impact of the UK government's Eat Out To Help Out scheme, which offered diners a 50% discount on meals and drinks in August 2020, has been debated. While the scheme aimed to support the struggling hospitality sector, government scientists claim it likely increased Covid-19 infections and deaths. Critics argue that "masses of people almost certainly died" due to the scheme. Data shows a boost in restaurant reservations during the scheme, but the overall economic activity in the accommodation and food services sector was still slightly down compared to the previous year. An analysis suggests that any benefits were small and temporary. A study from the University of Warwick estimated that the scheme may have increased Covid-19 cases in August by up to 20%. However, the overall impact on the epidemic is considered minimal compared to the subsequent rise in cases and deaths. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended the scheme, stating that scientists had the opportunity to raise concerns before its implementation.